After spending an extensive amount of time together, this moment marked the closest physical contact they had ever shared. She detected a subtle, pleasant fragrance from his body and couldn't help but wonder which brand of men's cologne he used. In contrast, she herself smelt like a gentle milk-based face cream.

After a lingering moment, Melissa straightened hastily, an attempt to regain composure.

Yet, Marcus didn't release her.

He was still holding her waist, and his voice was deep and hoarse.

"How come you still smell like milk? Tell me, when did you wean?"

She looked up, meeting his eyes.

Marcus' eyes darkened for a brief moment. The next second, he released her, and in a nonchalant tone, he said, “Just be more cautious in the future."

Melissa said nothing.

Marcus strolled back to his desk, aimlessly leafing through the papers before him. With a nonchalant tone, he remarked, “After work, swing by the supermarket for some groceries. I'm in the mood for mutton stew with carrots tonight."

Melissa nodded. "Okay."

Her expression was somewhat vacant. Marcus, setting aside the document he was holding, suggested, "If there's nothing else, feel free to leave for now."

Exiting the CEO's office and gently closing the door behind her, Melissa pulled out a small velvet box from her pocket, gazing at it silently, lost in thought...

To her, it was perhaps the most precious possession she'd ever had in her life.

Marcus had his moments of deliberately making things difficult for Melissa, yet he was among the rare few who showed her genuine kindness. Still, she knew better than to get too close to a man of his stature; he was leagues beyond her reach.

The thought lingered in her mind that maybe, just maybe, when he grew tired of her, this whole situation would come to an end.

And by then, she could still keep her job.

Approaching the door of the secretarial department, Melissa overheard her colleagues’ sharp, disdainful gossip.

"Who does she think she is? Mr. Fowler's only interested because he's never encountered anyone as uncultured as Melissa," one sneered.

“Absolutely. Mr. Fowler's family is brimming with beauties, his sisters and cousins; and he has met with a lot of beautiful girls.

Melissa doesn't even come close. He's bound to marry someone stunning, from a respectable family," chimed in another.